1st timers need dining suggestions

[smile145]

Hi,
I typically go to WDW every year (I live on the east coast) and this year will be my first trip to DL (it will be in October). I am in the process of making dining reservations (I am used to doing this for every meal at WDW, not sure if it is as necessary at DL). Since I have never been to any of the reataurants, I am picking them based on menu and atmosphere. I would appreciate any suggestions of either places to avoid or places not to miss for either the food or atmosphere.

It will be just 2 of us, my husband and I. We like to do at least one, sometimes two table service restaurants a day. We will have 5 and a half days there and we are staying at GCH. My husband is kind of picky, does not like seafood or a lot of different vegtables.

I am considering:

Ariel's Grotto (possible WOC package)
Carnation Cafe
Steakhouse 55
Storyteller's Cafe
Naples
Rainforest Cafe
Tortilla Joe's

Thanks for any input!

 

[Mama Who]

The Storyteller's buffet is excellent for fussy eaters. Lots of choices and plenty of simple items like the carving station and familiar looking pasta dishes.

I loved Ariel's but don't know that I'd take someone as described there.

Carnation is probably a good bet. Tortilla Joe's, think Chevy's or El Torito for a rough comparison.

 

[Susie63]

We loved Ralph Brennan's jazz kitchen. Upscale and delicious food.It is in DTD.
There is also Catal,House of blues,and Espn Zone in DTD.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I haven't tried the Ariel's Grotto WoC dining, but based on the reviews I have read and heard, I agree that I would hesitate to take your DH as described there. Have you considered the Wine Country Trattoria WoC meal if doing the dining option is important to you?

Carnation Cafe is for sure a great choice. It is located right on Main Street. Even my somewhat picky eater son can find a sandwich he is satisfied with on the menu. If you enjoy soup, you need to try the Loaded Baked Potato Soup.

Steakhouse 55 has a very nice breakfast, so that's an option too if you are considering more than dinner.

Storyteller's is a very good choice for the variety and the buffet option on some nights.

Have you looked at the menu for the Jazz Kitchen? We really enjoy that place for lunch. They have the more ordinary option of a filet mignon burger and fries if your DH is really picky, but some of the other dishes are very yummy too. I personally enjoy the atmosphere of that restaurant if it's not too crowded.

Also, don't discount the counter service meals. While it's still theme park food, I feel like some of the counter service food has really improved in the last couple of years. Also, there are always some good old favorites that we keep going back to. The fried chicken at Plaza Inn is good, and you can get double mashed potatoes instead of green beans if you don't like the beans. The chicken fusilli or tomoto basil pasta at Pizza Port is pretty good too, and we found we really enjoyed the new Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta at DCA. While the breakfast food at Riverbelle Terrace isn't amazing, getting to eat breakfast overlooking the Rivers of America is a great experience.

 

[tlovesdis]

Check out Cafe Orleans as well! It is our favorite place to eat in the whole resort!!

 

[jemimabean]

We have had breakfast twice at the Plaza Inn, and have absolutely loved it. It's the character breakfast in Disneyland, and while it's expensive, we've found it to be worth it. The first time it was just my husband and I, but last time we took the kids. So much fun either way. (And they're super accommodating about any dietary stuff...they made me gluten-free waffles that totally made my life!)

I also really enjoyed Tortilla Joe's.

Rainforest Cafe was sort of meh in my opinion. It was fine, but I doubt that we'd bother going there again.

 

[isisisme]

I agree about not dismissing counter service at DL. I personally love eating at the Royal Veranda.

This year we are only doing 2 reservations. Last year I went a little nuts with them. We are doing Carnation Cafe for breakfast and Big Thunder Ranch BBQ one night for dinner.

Depending on when you are (week day versus weekend) can depend if you need a PS. If you are there during the week, it is easier to get a seat than during a busier weekend.

We don't always go down to DTD because well, I want to be in the parks. We will be trying some new places this year.

I would check out the menus and see what sound intriguing and give some of the counter service places a shot. Some of it is really good.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Check out Cafe Orleans as well! It is our favorite place to eat in the whole resort!!

Whitewater snacks in the GCH is really good for a fast-food fix.

Also, the restaurant in Bear Country (can't think of the name) has recently revised its menu and has been getting great reviews.

 

[hootey]

The best character breakfast is at Minnie's & friends. If you don't like the buffet, they can prepare almost anything you would like. The omelets are great. A lot of characters at Minnie's, a lot more than the other character breakfasts( we went to Goofy's twice this spring, it was a joke ). The Carnation Cafe is great, get reservations. Really good food and nice staff.
Rainforest cafe is hit or miss. I have had good food and good service there as well as horrible service and COLD food that should have been hot. Storytellers is the same way. It is hit or miss. If you like buffets, it is okay. If you like freshly prepared food and service toss a coin, maybe you will be happy there. Steakhouse 55, never been there. Have heard it was good place to go. New Orleans Cafe is great. we have always recieved great service( ask for Kacie ), as well as very good food. Blue Bayou, (have to have reservations) it is hit or miss on the food and the service as well. You might get great service as well as great food and then again you might not. It is very crowded during regular meal times. We went once in the middle of day(3 PM), was not crowded and the food was good. If you go during peak meal times it is very crowded, noisey, and not enjoyable at all.

 

[Heymy]

You've got a great list! Everyone has their opinions on food. For our family, we won't step foot in Rainforest Cafe again...we've given it 5 chances (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and for the price, we just can't do it. Yet we, okay I, love Tortilla Jo's. It's standard mexican fare, but I love their chili rellanos and margaritas. Jazz Kitchen is good, but not always great. We love Steakhouse 55 and The Napa Rose. If you have the time and money, do the chef's counter, it truly is unlike any other dining experience. We also like the Uva Bar, it's downstairs and outside Catal. Have a great time!

 

[vettegirl]

Whitewater snacks in the GCH is really good for a fast-food fix.

Also, the restaurant in Bear Country (can't think of the name) has recently revised its menu and has been getting great reviews.

I agree that White Water Snacks is a little gem of a quick service restaurant. The nachos are amazing!

The Hungry Bear's new menu is fantastic in Bear Country!

 

[wvnative]

Another vote for Carnation. We eat there every trip. We really like Cafe Orleans too. This trip we are opting for the Wine Country WOC because we've not been impressed enough with Ariel's to do without the princess experience and it is my understanding that they do not appear for the WOC dining. I like Rainforest, but since we have one here locally, we generally skip it at DLR. I can say we like the pepperoni pizza, ribs and chicken parm at Rainforest but I was less than impressed with the beef I had last time. Oh, and we like Goofy Kitchen. Worked well for all my picky eaters.

We like the counter service as well. We like Taste Pilots and love the corn dogs from the red cart. It's the only time I ever eat a corn dog. lol I'm excited to try Troubador Tavern this trip as well. Couldn't convince the kid to go last time but the SO will eat anywhere I want. YAY! I've heard good things about White Water Snacks and the lobster nachos at Cove bar.

 

[marciemouse]

As a WDW vet myself, I think you've got a good list going. We always hit Carnation Cafe at least once, and usually Storyteller's, too. I'd also recommend Jazz Kitchen Express at DTD as well as the Hungry Bear in Critter Country. Jazz Kitchen Express has good food, although if your husband doesn't like seafood it may not be perfect. They do have chicken and burgers, but I think the popcorn shrimp are the best. Hungry Bear has nice atmosphere, overlooks the Rivers of the Americas. Most DL dining doesn't quite have the same themed atmosphere that you find at WDW, but I think you'll be pleased. Have fun!

 

[jimreuter]

Allow me to present a shameless plug for the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue. It is all you can eat barbecue, with live entertainment.

 

[Scribble Kitty]

I love Carnation Cafe. Haven't had their breakfast, but love their lunch choices. The Baked Potato soup is delicious. Often get it with the half turkey sandwich and the passion tea lemonade. YUM YUM YUM!